守勢(しゅせい)

しゅせい
noun
defensive; on the defense
formalcolloquialaction
1. defensive position; being on the defense; defensive stance
A state of defending or being forced to react rather than take the initiative. Used in military, sports, political, and business contexts.
守勢(しゅせい)に回(まわ)る。
To be put on the defensive.
後半(こうはん)は守勢(しゅせい)に立(た)たされた。
We were forced onto the defensive in the second half.
野党(やとう)の厳(きび)しい追及(ついきゅう)に対(たい)して、政府(せいふ)は終始(しゅうし)守勢(しゅせい)に回(まわ)り、具体的(ぐたいてき)な回答(かいとう)を避(さ)けた。
Facing harsh questioning from the opposition, the government remained on the defensive throughout and avoided giving concrete answers.

A compound of 守(しゅ) (defense, to guard) and 勢(せい) (force, posture). Almost always appears in the phrase 守勢(しゅせい)に回(まわ)る (to be put on the defensive) or 守勢(しゅせい)に立(た)つ (to take a defensive stance). The opposite is 攻勢(こうせい) (offensive).

Common collocations

  • 守勢(しゅせい)に回(まわ)る: to be on the defensive
  • 守勢(しゅせい)に立(た)たされる: to be forced onto the defensive
  • 守勢(しゅせい)に立(た)つ: to take a defensive position
  • 終始(しゅうし)守勢(しゅせい): on the defensive throughout

Similar words

  • 攻勢(こうせい): offensive — the opposite, taking the initiative to attack or push forward
  • 防衛(ぼうえい): defense — broader term for defense, especially national defense
  • 受(う)け身(み): passive, reactive — a general term for being in a reactive position

Related Words

Compare: 防衛(ぼうえい) (defense)
Compare: 受(う)け身(み) (passive, reactive)
Compare: 防衛的(ぼうえいてき) (defensive)
general
Added 2026.4.27 0:22 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
25500/25695_shusei